SMILING Mark Peacock looks like he does not have a care in the world — thanks to sister Amy Jorja who helps care for her big brother who has a rare gene disorder.

As a result of the condition, called 16p11.2 microdeletion, the 10-year-old has some learning difficulties, a visual impairment, and he is also being tested for autism.

But his parents Laura and Darren Peacock know that if he needs any assistance they can always rely on seven-year-old cheerleader Amy Jorja to give him a helping hand, whether it is crossing the road or playing on the swings.

The syndrome, which affects approximately one in 3,500, is a disorder caused by the “deletion” of a small piece of chromosome 16.

The siblings, who both attend Horwich Parish primary school, love swimming and playing out together, and although he has extra help during lessons and is being tested for autism, to Amy Jorja he is just her happy, fun-loving big brother.

Mrs Peacock, aged 31, of Wright Street, Horwich, said: “I always say that Mark is the caring one and Amy Jorja is mature and looks out for him. They’re really close and love playing out together.

“We both knew from when Mark was born that something wasn’t quite right because he didn’t take to feeding very well. It turns out the muscle tone in children with 16p doesn’t develop properly.

“It has been a difficult time trying to get him diagnosed but finally he was earlier this year, which is a relief to finally know what it is.

“Mark gets extra help at school and we have to be careful when he his doing some activities as he needs assistance but if we’re not there, such as when they’re at school, Amy Jorja is often around to keep an eye on him. Despite everything he’s a really happy boy.”

• Mark’s sister Amy Jorja is cutting off her long locks for a charity called Unique, which has supported the family since Mark’s diagnosis in January.

She said: “My mum told me how Unique helped us, and I want to help them.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/AmyCheerHair